Chapter 22
THE JOHNSON APARTMENT
Melanie: Papa, look!
Steve: What have you got there, Sweet Pea?
Melanie: My grade from my science course.
Steve: An “A”! Well, aren’t you a chip off the old block. That’s great. I’m really proud of you.
Melanie: Thanks, Papa. I worked really hard for this grade.
Steve: And you got a little more out of the class than most.
Melanie: I sure did! I found my real father. [She hugs him.] I was thinking, Papa….
Steve: About what, Sweet Pea?
Melanie: About opening a little storefront DNA shop in Salem Place. You know, somewhere people can come in and get their DNA tested when they absolutely positively need to know who they’re related to.
Steve: That’s a great idea, little sweetness... I mean Sweet Pea. What would you call it?
Melanie: I was thinking about calling it “DNA While U Wait.” What do you think?
Steve: I like it! In fact, I may want a piece of the action.
Melanie: Really? That would be so cool if we could go into business together. We’d like be partners!
PARK BENCH
Sami: Rafe! I’ve been trying to call you. Why haven’t you returned any of my calls?
Rafe: I figured you needed some time alone with your family. [He picks up Grace.]
Sami: I feel as if you ARE part of my family.
Rafe: That’s truer than you think.
Sami: What? What’s that in your pocket? A plane ticket?
Rafe: I’m leaving Salem, Sami.
Sami: What? Why? How can you just up and leave? What about us? I need you.
Rafe: There can never be an us. Not anymore.
Sami: Why not? I don’t understand. Is it something I did or...
Rafe: No, it’s not you. It’s just that I found something out.
Sami: About me?
Rafe: About me.
Sami: Please, Rafe. Tell me what it is. Please.
Rafe: I’m everything you’ve been trying to run away from, Sami. I’m a Dimera.
Sami: What???
Rafe: I’m Stefano Dimera’s son. EJ’s brother.
Sami [instinctly takes Grace from Rafe]: How can that be?
Rafe: It just is.
Sami: When did you find this out?
Rafe: When I went to question Stefano about Grace. I didn’t believe him at first, but he knew too much about me. The more I thought about it, the more I realized that it has to be true.
Sami: You don’t know that for sure. And even if it is true, what has that got to do with us?
Rafe: I’m a Dimera, Sami. I’m poison to your family. Your worst nightmare.
Sami: You could never be a true Dimera. You weren’t raised by Stefano. You’re a good man, Rafe ... the best man I’ve ever known in my life. Well, next to my father.
Rafe: I take that as a great compliment. Thank you for saying that.
Sami: I mean it. Wait a second. I know a way you can find out for sure if you’re a Dimera.
Rafe: How? We can’t do a DNA test. All the Dimeras have left town.
Sami [looking at Grace]: Not all of them.
To be continued....